​Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal has once again sought to quiet media speculation about a possible move to La Liga rivals Barcelona this week. The forward has naturally found his name in the Spanish press headlines recently, as Barcelona reportedly continue their search for reinforcements up front and have identified the 29-year-old as a potential summer signing. With their first-choice target Julián Álvarez unavailable or not forthcoming, Barcelona have been tipped to push for Oyarzabal as an alternative.
Oyarzabal, who is enjoying a strong World Cup campaign thus far, has already rejected the notion that he is ready for a fresh challenge away from Anoeta this summer. And as noted earlier, he reiterated that stance once again on Thursday. During an interview with El Chiringuito TV, cited by journalist Fabrizio Romano, the talented attacker insisted: “Can you say no to Barcelona? Yes, you can! I believe you can. There are players who said no to them.”
The message from Oyarzabal is clear: he remains committed to Real Sociedad and has no intention of leaving this summer, despite ongoing speculation linking him with one of Spain’s biggest clubs. His refusal to entertain a transfer away from San Sebastián has been echoed amid discussions about Barcelona’s surrounding strategy for the upcoming transfer window. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will stay fixed on how Real Sociedad respond to the interest and whether Barcelona will press ahead with any formal pursuit, or pivot to other targets as they seek to reinforce their attacking options.